Driving on a regular road can be treacherous thanks to other road users, but some roads are dangerous all by themselves. These roads are not for beginners, and only the bravest drivers will dare to drive on them. These are the most dangerous roads in the world.
Rodovia de Morte, Brazil
The road has been given the name ‘The Highway of Death’ as it is just so dangerous. It runs from Jaguarao to Fortaleza, and many people lose their lives here each year. There is a cliff section along the road which is difficult to navigate as the winding roads come very close to the edge of the mountain. Then there is the problem of policing the stretch of road. Few patrols travel the road which means those driving along it are subjected to gang attacks and highway robberies.
North Yungas, Bolivia
This stretch of road has been labeled the most dangerous in the world as there were several hundred people per year losing their lives on it. The single-lane road takes you on a 34-mile wild adventure through Bolivia and is a white-knuckle ride the whole way. There is often rain and fog which limits visibility while you can’t expect the safety barriers to protect you from falling down the cliff edge as there aren’t any. Thankfully a bypass has been built, and now the only vehicles taking a trek down this road are motorcycles as their riders take in the views.
Dalton Highway, USA
This highway becomes a battle against the elements as you trek along 413 miles of icy Alaskan road. It is one of the most isolated roads in the world, and you’ll need to make sure you’ve brought plenty of supplies. The road was built in the ‘70s as a trade route, and there aren’t many stops along the way. There are just three small towns on the stretch of road so breaking down is one of the worst things that can happen to you. Not only is it long and lonely, but there are large sections that have fallen into disrepair. You’ll need to make sure your vehicle is up to the task of dealing with a bumpy and icy road before setting off on the Dalton Highway.
Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
13 Chinese villagers decided it was up to them to build their own road. The government didn’t help build this road, it simply allowed locals to use their own initiative to connect their community with others. The Guoliang Tunnel was built into a mountain with basic tools and explosives. What was created became one of the most dangerous roads to navigate. There have been many accidents over the years which resulted in people losing their lives. The road is unforgiving, and one mistake can be the difference between making it to the other side and plummeting to the ground below.
Only tackle these roads if you go prepared. They have earned their reputations as some of the most dangerous roads in the world for a reason so if you can, it’s probably better to avoid them forever.
